Alphas Three

|c.1|

The royal palace loomed before them, a breathtaking vision of grandeur, its golden lights casting a soft glow over the snow-blanketed grounds. As Amaris stepped out of the car, the chill nipped at her cheeks, but she barely noticed, too captivated by the palace’s splendor. Icicles glistened like crystalline daggers from the edges of the rooftops, and the gardens were perfectly sculpted despite the deep winter frost.

Her breath puffed out in small, white clouds as the housemaids and butlers hurried forward to greet them. Dressed in crisp uniforms, they moved with the precision of a well-rehearsed dance, ushering the family inside with a mixture of efficiency and warmth.

“Please, come in out of the cold,” one of the butlers said, bowing slightly. His tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the urgency in his movements.

Inside, the warmth wrapped around her instantly, a stark contrast to the icy air outside. Amaris’s gaze darted around, taking in the palace’s luxurious interior. The foyer itself was magnificent, with a sweeping staircase of dark mahogany and a chandelier dripping with sparkling crystals that caught the golden light.

Her awe only grew as they were led through the sprawling corridors. The palace was far larger than she remembered, its elegance impossible to ignore. Massive oil paintings adorned the walls, each depicting generations of the royal family. The frames were ornate, and each brushstroke seemed to tell a story of dominance, pride, and power.

But it was the repeated image of Lucian, the god of wolves, that captured her attention. His likeness hung in nearly every corridor—a towering, divine figure cloaked in shadows and moonlight, with piercing eyes that seemed to follow her wherever she moved. The royal family’s devotion to him was legendary, both as his descendants and as the spiritual leaders of their kind.

Eventually, they reached the guest wing. A maid directed Lady Helena and Lord Cedric to their quarters while Amaris was escorted further down the hall, toward the wing designated for the invited ladies.

“This will be your room, Miss Amaris,” the maid announced, opening the heavy oak door.

The room was stunning. Sunlight spilled through tall windows draped in silver velvet, casting a soft glow over the plush rugs and intricately carved furniture. The bed, a four-poster masterpiece, was adorned with layers of silken sheets and fur throws, creating a cocoon of luxury.

Amaris couldn’t help but smile as she stepped further inside. “All of this... just for me?”

“Yes, miss,” the maid replied, her tone respectful. “Many of the other ladies are sharing quarters, but this room was prepared specifically for you.”

Amaris thought briefly of her father’s contributions to the Supreme Alpha’s court, a likely reason for her private accommodations. The maids accompanying her wasted no time unpacking her belongings, neatly arranging her dresses and nightgowns in the towering wardrobe.

While they worked, Amaris explored the bathroom. It was grand, with marble floors and gilded fixtures, but it was the oversized tub that truly delighted her. She let out a small squeal of excitement, imagining herself soaking in it with a book and a glass of wine.

By the time she returned to the bedroom, the maids had finished unpacking and bowed before leaving. Alone at last, Amaris considered christening the tub right away, but a sharp knock at the door halted her plans.

She opened it to find a young maid standing there, her head slightly bowed. “Miss Amaris, I am to inform you that the Supreme Alpha and his family are hosting a luncheon in an hour. It is imperative that all the invited ladies attend.”

“Of course,” Amaris said with a polite smile, though internally she groaned.

The moment the door shut behind the maid, she let out her frustration aloud. “And so it begins,” she muttered, moving toward the wardrobe.

Rifling through her dresses, she couldn’t decide on one that would strike the right balance between elegance and modesty. Sighing in defeat, she picked up her phone and texted her mother.

Amaris: I can’t decide on a dress. Help me before I combust.

Lady Helena: On my way. And please don’t combust—you’ll ruin the carpets.

Shaking her head at her mother’s teasing, Amaris set her phone down and started undoing the buttons of her travel dress. As she reached back to loosen the ties of her corset, she felt the familiar resistance. With a groan, she twisted and strained, her fingers fumbling to grip the slippery ribbon.

“Why did I agree to wear this thing?” she muttered. She worked the laces methodically, her movements quick and practiced despite her frustration. Over the years, she had learned to handle the intricate task herself, though it wasn’t without effort.

Finally, with a triumphant sigh, she felt the corset give. Pulling it off, she tossed it onto a nearby chair and stood for a moment, letting the relief settle over her as she stretched.

Just as her mother knocked and entered the room, Amaris wrapped herself in her robe. “Thank the goddess you’re here,” she said dramatically, gesturing toward the open wardrobe. “Save me from my indecision.”

Lady Helena chuckled, stepping forward to examine the dresses. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll have you ready to dazzle in no time.”

Taking advantage of her mother’s presence, Amaris slipped into the bathroom. The warm water of the shower cascaded over her, washing away the stiffness of the long journey. She let herself relax, her mind drifting to thoughts of the luncheon and what the month ahead might hold.

Despite her complaints, a small part of her—a romantic, curious part—wondered if this trip could truly be the beginning of something extraordinary.

By the time Amaris emerged from the warm embrace of the shower, she felt refreshed and ready to face the day—though her nerves still hummed faintly in the background. Her mother had already chosen a dress, and it hung on the back of the wardrobe door, an elegant yet simple masterpiece. A handwritten note was perched beside it:

"Amaris, your father needs me urgently, but this dress should be perfect for you. I’ll see you at the luncheon. Love, Mother."

Amaris smiled and quickly texted her mother.

Amaris: Thank you! The dress is perfect.

She set the phone aside and began her routine, massaging a lightly scented lotion into her skin and slipping into her undergarments. She took her time, savoring these small moments of calm before the chaos of the luncheon.

When it came time for her corset and dress, Amaris poked her head out into the hall, calling for assistance. A kindly older maid, her salt-and-pepper hair tucked neatly into a cap, approached.

"Miss, I can help you if you’d like," the maid offered warmly.

Relieved, Amaris smiled. "That would be wonderful. Thank you."

The maid followed Amaris inside, her gentle demeanor instantly putting her at ease. As the maid worked on lacing the corset, she hummed softly. “You’re a vision, miss,” she complimented, her hands moving skillfully. “But why are you so pale? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Amaris laughed lightly, having grown accustomed to the question. “It’s because I was born under a lunar convergence,” she explained.

The maid paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. “A lunar convergence?”

“It’s when all three moons align for just a moment,” Amaris said, her voice softening. “I was born during that exact moment. It’s rare, and some say it’s a blessing—others, a curse.”

The maid’s hands faltered for just a second, then resumed. “A blessing, no doubt,” she said firmly, her awe evident. “You must be very special.”

Amaris chuckled but said nothing, her thoughts drifting to the expectations that had always surrounded her.

The maid finished tightening the corset, her touch noticeably gentler now. “All done, miss. Let’s get you into that beautiful dress.”

Amaris stepped into the gown carefully, and the maid hesitated before touching it. “It’s so fine,” she murmured. “I’m almost afraid to handle it.”

The dress was stunning yet understated—a form-fitting sundress in a soft shade of green that hugged her curves elegantly while remaining modest. The material flowed gently around her thighs, its lightness perfect for the warm interior of the palace. The dress was sleeveless, with thin straps and a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her delicate collarbone.

Her mother had also chosen cream-colored heels to match, and a dazzling gold necklace that rested perfectly above her breastbone. Gold earrings dangled elegantly, and her wrists sparkled with diamond bracelets and bangles.

Though her pale complexion might have clashed with gold on someone else, the contrast only heightened her ethereal beauty. Her hair, still pinned perfectly from earlier, needed no adjustment, leaving only her makeup to refine.

Amaris moved to the vanity, applying touches of highlighter and expertly accentuating her eyes and lips. When she was done, even she had to admit she looked radiant.

The maid, who had been watching with admiration, clapped her hands lightly. “You look like you’ve stepped out of a storybook, miss. Truly breathtaking.”

Amaris smiled, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Thank you. How much time do I have left before the luncheon?”

The maid glanced at an old wristwatch. “About ten minutes, miss.”

Nerves flickered to life in Amaris’s chest as she dabbed on her favorite floral-scented perfume. Taking a steadying breath, she turned to the maid. “Would you mind escorting me to the dining hall?”

“Of course, miss,” the maid said, ushering her gently out of the room. She closed the door behind them with a quiet clickand locked it securely.

Amaris frowned, curiosity getting the better of her. “Why lock the door?”

The maid glanced at her, her expression serious. “In the past, ladies invited to the Binding Solstice have had their belongings stolen or destroyed in fits of jealousy and rage. The Supreme Alpha wanted to ensure that doesn’t happen this year.”

Amaris blinked, stunned by the revelation. “That’s... horrifying.”

The maid nodded solemnly. “Some of these women will stop at nothing, especially if they believe you’re competition. Be cautious, miss.”

Amaris swallowed hard, the weight of the maid’s words settling over her. If this was how the women behaved before the event even began, she dreaded to think what they might do if she was chosen as a mate.

She followed the maid down the hall, her earlier excitement now tinged with unease. The thought of spending a month surrounded by such hostility made her stomach twist. But she lifted her chin, determination flickering to life.

If I’m going to be here, I’ll make sure it’s worth it—no matter what they try.